Last Sunday was a beautiful day for a bike ride.
More than 100 kids, parents, occasional riders, serious cyclists — even a town engineer — pedaled together at Walk Bike Westport’s first Bridge to Bridge Ride.
Every kind of Westporter was there. Every kind of bike, too.
City bikes, hybrids, road bikes, BMXs, mountain bikes, beach cruisers, bike trailers, trailercycles, cargo bikes, bikes with child seats attached — you name it, someone pedaled it.
The gang’s all here!
The group started at Jesup Green, took the closed bridge detour through Bay Street onto Post Road, then headed down Imperial Avenue and Bridge Street.
They crossed the Cribari Bridge, rode north along Riverside Avenue, and finished back at Jesup Green.
Crossing the Cribari Bridge.
Coming just days after the Board of Finance unanimously approved accepting nearly $900,000 in federal Safe Streets and Roads for All funding, the turnout reinforced something Walk Bike Westport believes strongly: Residents want more opportunities to walk and bike safely around town.
Our town is not alone. Similar movements are happening all over the country. Many are further along than Westport in creating safe, connected streets.
Before the ride Markus Marty, co-director of Walk Bike Westport, offered a brief safety talk about riding on public roads. Recently certified as a League of American Bicyclists instructor, he is now qualified to teach children and adults of all ages how to ride safely and confidently.
Chaz Foster of Sound Cyclists served as ride captain, leading the group alongside a Westport Police escort vehicle.
As they rode along, smiling and chatting, neighbors and passersby waved. It was a different way to experience Westport — on 2 wheels, not 4.
The final leg: Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
“It’s challenging at times to fit all of this into our lives, alongside our jobs, families, and everything else,” Markus and co-chair Jenna Petok say.
“But we feel strongly about doing our part for the community. We admire how so many Westporters have found their own ways to contribute to making this town a better place, and that’s inspiring to us.”
They hailed the community aspect of the event. Staples Swimming & Diving teams and the Westport Swim Club provided logistical support and volunteers.
That’s no coincidence. Walk Bike Westport and Westport Swim Club share a goal of helping youngsters build skills, confidence, and healthy habits. Staples High School swim coach Kuku Fleming and WSC coach Neil Markman also served as event directors.
Markus Marty (at table), Kuku Fleming (4th from left), Neil Markman (far right), and Westport Swim Club.
Corbin Dunn of the Wilton Outdoor Sports Center donated last-minute bike tune-ups and repair services.
Bike safety check.
Jack Thompson and Blake Serotta of the Westport Youth Commission were on hand too, advocating for e-bike safety.
The Westport Police Department, led by Lieutenant Sereneti Dobson and Staff Corporal Al D’Amura, helped organize the first- ever event. Traffic Agent Bob Bland and his team helped keep everyone safe along the route.
Sara Amaro from the first selectman’s office guided Walk Bike Westport through the permit process.
It took a ton of work to pull off the Bridge to Bridge ride. (Kudos to whoever was in charge of the weather, too.)
But the smiles, Markus and Jenna say, were worth it.
And, they add, this was just the beginning. Many more rides are in the works.
The entire town is invited.
Biking across the Cribari Bridge. (All photos/John Videler for Videler Photography)
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What a great expression of community spirit on a fall day seemingly made for it. Thanks to Walk Bike Westport, the volunteers, and everyone who helped families and neighbors enjoy our residential streets together.
I hope the participants bring their perspective to CTDOT’s November 12 Cribari Bridge project update meeting: Which bridge options guarantee safe, everyday walking and cycling along this same route?
We all deserve a clear comparison of rehabilitation and replacement—what each would provide for pedestrians and cyclists, how people would safely reach and leave the crossing, and how vehicle speeds and potential changes in heavy-truck traffic would affect the surrounding streets.
Cherishing Saugatuck’s past is part of supporting its future. Preserving the neighborhood’s historic character helps sustain the sense of place that makes activities like this ride so meaningful, while thoughtful improvements can ensure that people of all ages can continue to enjoy it safely. The safety and enjoyment of our community’s families, together with the preservation of that character, should determine the project’s goals.
Those inspired by this ride should bring that new perspective to Town Hall on November 12 at 7 p.m.
TY, Markus Marty and team, for your determination to make our community safer (and healthier). 🚵🏻♀️🏃♀️🚴🏻♂️🏃♂️
What an incredible event and turnout for Westport! Well done Markus, Chaz and team! Looking forward to seeing more events like these in our area.